“ I tried to get into an apprenticeship in my Grade 11 year but there seemed like there were some roadblocks , including transportation ,” said Angele . “ It was getting a little frustrating to say the least . We tried again in Grade 12 and I was able to get a placement that ’ s something like two kilometres from my home . It ’ s very convenient .”

Helping to pave the way was Dan Olesen , Calgary and area field director for Careers : The Next Generation , a student-focused , industry-community partnership designed to help young people discover career passion in trades , technologies , health and occupations in high demand .

“ Communities like Airdrie don ’ t have as many opportunities for RAP ( Registered Apprenticeship Program ) placements , so some students have to look at commuting to Calgary , which can be challenging ,” Olesen said . “ That ’ s why you really have to give

props to local companies like Iron Eagle Sheet Metal for stepping up and providing leadership .”

Angele began working at Iron Eagle in the afternoons of his final months at St . Martin de Porres High School last May .

“ My first jobs were in retail and it ’ s a big jump from using a box cutter to coming into this big shop with band saws and spot welders ,” Angele recalled . “ I started by doing whatever jobs they asked me to do and then I worked on earning their trust as they got to know me .”

April Greenlaw , Iron Eagle ’ s office administrator , says mentoring young apprentices is a win-win situation for her company .

“ It can be hard to find young people who want to come into the trades . If they come from the Careers program , we know they ’ re serious about making a commitment to their training . And it ’ s important to support the community that supports us ,” said Greenlaw .

Angele has grown in confidence since joining Iron Eagle , earning new responsibilities with his positive attitude and work ethic .

“ They never yelled at me if I screwed up . They explained , ‘ this is why it ’ s wrong ’ and then you learn from your mistakes . There was an efficient and calm approach to the whole thing ,” said Angele .

Since learning the basic skills inside the Iron Eagle shop , he ’ s been sent out to residential field work assignments in a number of surrounding communities . And he started the first classroom courses of his apprenticeship at SAIT in late January . Olesen says part of what Careers does is to help young people see that the skill sets and interests they already possess can translate into a rewarding future in the trades . He says sheet metal , “ is one of the lesser-known trades ” but that the industry is doing a better job of promoting itself through events like student-focused showcases .

Looking at his personal journey to journeyman , Angele says the idea of eventually starting his own company is intriguing , “ but I think all the office aspects of a business would drive me crazy . I need to work with my hands to be happy . And I ’ m very happy at Iron Eagle ; they ’ ve been great to me .” •

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30 2017 Edition www . smcaa . ca